Marion Grice builds case for Chargers

Arizona Cardinals linebacker Desmond Bishop grabs the face mask of San Diego Chargers running back Marion Grice during the first half of an NFL preseason football game Thursday, Aug. 28, 2014, in San Diego. (AP Photo/Lenny Ignelzi)
The Associated Press

Arizona Cardinals linebacker Desmond Bishop grabs the face mask of San Diego Chargers running back Marion Grice during the first half of an NFL preseason football game Thursday, Aug. 28, 2014, in San Diego. (AP Photo/Lenny Ignelzi)

Marion Grice, a sixth rounder, was part of a two-man competition to be the fourth running back. Wide receiver Tevin Reese, a seventh-round choice, sought to show that past miscues were behind him.

Two chances. One seized.

The Chargers put jobs on the line Thursday night, and Grice might have seized his. At the worst, he made a strong push in the fourth exhibition game, showing good vision and sharp cuts during a 12-9 win over the Cardinals.

"He understood the situation and the number of plays he was going into," coach Mike McCoy said of Grice, drafted out of Arizona State. "He and Brandden were going to carry the load today. It's about making the most of your opportunities in this business. He did a nice job today."

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Oliver, a 5-foot-6 undrafted rookie from Buffalo, started fast this preseason. He rushed seven times for 64 yards and a touchdown in the exhibition opener. A testament to his practice work, he often worked ahead of Grice.

Body of work will be considered when deciding which back makes the 53-man roster. Whoever of the two is waived likely will wind up on the practice squad, presuming he first clears waivers. The final cut from 75 players is due Saturday at 1 p.m. San Diego is expected to begin informing players on Friday morning.

Grice made his bid interesting.

He found a rhythm in the second quarter, rushing nine times for 48 yards. Late in the fourth, he drove his legs through contact for an 8-yard gain to the Cardinals' 6.

The home crowd booed when the team went into victory formation the next three plays. Fans saw seven field goals and wanted a touchdown. Maybe they wanted more Grice, too; he had 17 carries for 79 yards.

Oliver was right behind.

After five yards on three first-half carries, he finished with 71 yards on 16.

"I think I made my impression," Oliver said. "I went out there and worked hard, but whatever is God's will is the will I'm going to be in, and we'll see what happens."

Reese, meanwhile, struggled.

He had two drops, one in the end zone and a second near midfield along the Chargers sideline. He caught two of eight passes for 13 yards, fumbling once in the red zone.

The speedy receiver from Baylor is expected to be waived. He'll draw consideration for the practice squad.